Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all done our best to “flatten the curve.”
We’ve worn masks. We’ve been tested. We’ve quarantined. We’ve socially distanced.
And now that the beginning of a new school year is right around the corner, the Houston Health Department is encouraging parents to make one more effort to keep our community safe.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children
Both the FDA and the CDC have authorized the COVID-19 vaccination to be safe and effective for children ages 5 –17 years. The pediatric vaccine has been tailored specifically to ensure its safety for children while maintaining its 90% effective rate for preventing children from contracting COVID-19.
The Houston Health Department strongly urges parents to consider consenting to vaccinating their children against COVID-19 before sending them off to school.
Side Effects of the Vaccine
Like most parents, I am concerned about any side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. We’ve all heard about the potential for life-threatening side effects and lingering, lasting complications.
However, the Houston Health Department continues to assure parents throughout our city that, should they choose to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, the only side effects to expect are minor, including a sore arm, headache and/or fatigue. These are signs that your child is building immunity against the virus. Parents should expect these mild effects to go away with a few days, and their child will return to normal.
The Houston Health Department also suggest to parents that, while these mild effects of the vaccine may not be ideal, they are certainly more manageable than the alternative.
Choosing to vaccinate your children, according to the CDC and the Houston Health Department, not only helps lower the risk of getting COVID-19, but it also lowers the risk of getting seriously ill if they do get it, leading to hospitalization and potential long-term complications.
Post-Vaccine Life
Nothing can erase the loss, fear and concern we experienced during the pandemic, but we can hope for a brighter future.
These past 2 1/2 years have taught us to truly appreciate the little things. Our kids being able to go to school regularly, without interruptions, masks and restrictions, is probably on that list.
The goal of vaccines against COVID-19 seems to be a simple one: to help us get back to {or as close to} the lives we knew before 2020.
The vaccine can help reduce disruptions to in-person learning and activities for our children, creating a sense of normalcy we’ve all missed. By vaccinating our kids, we are also helping protect our families and communities, reducing transmission of the virus.
Parental consent forms are available at Houston Health Department sites throughout the community for parents who are interested in, and each child who receives the COVID-19 vaccination will receive a vaccine card.
Moms all over Houston are working hard to protect their families ahead of the first day of school. The Houston Health Department urges us all to make the best choice for our children and give them the best school year ever!
For more information and details about the COVID-19 vaccination for children, please reach out to the Houston Health Department for more information.
